Unit 1: Non-Fiction





Memoir

The memoir that I chose to review is Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff. I read a few chapters from it for the assignment, and they were very interesting. It gives the readers an insight on how one's addiction is affecting the other's around them. Sheff was determined and motivated by love to help his son onto the right path, which is why he never gave up. There were many opportunities in the story for Sheff to leave his son on his own, but he couldn't do it. No parent wants to see their child suffering, so they will do anything to make sure they are safe. I only read a few chapters, but their story is so interesting that I think I will pick up the book and read it. They are also making this powerful story into a movie, which I will definitely be watching when it comes out!

The Essay

For this assignment, we had to read Max Beerbohm's essay "Going Out for a Walk". I don't think that I've every read anything like this essay. It was written a long time ago, so it was worded a little differently, but it was still an enjoyable read. In his essay, Beerbohm talks about the difference between going for a walk, and being taken out for a walk. There were no evident themes of love being good in this essay. Beerbohm appears to have a contradicting opinion in his essay. He talks about how going out for walks is a waste of his time, but he in fact wrote the essay while being on a walk. If I were to ever write an essay like his, it would probably be about how I think learning to drive is a waste of my time, when there's all sorts of transportation services, while I was learning how to drive.

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Narrative and Descriptive Essays

Growing Up Native by Carol Geddes

This essay was very powerful and indulging. Carol Geddes gives the readers an inside look on the difficulties that native americans face here in Canada. There were times where Geddes and her family around her wanted to give up, but she continued to have hope that life will turn out better. I believe that the love that her family and friends share is was motivates her to spread the word and shape the future into a better one. She strives and works towards a world where there is peace, and everyone can love each other equally.

Suitcase Lady by Christie McLaren

I think that this essay was so interesting and effective. Everyone resents the fact that some people are homeless and struggling, but it's truly heartbreaking to read about the experiences that some people go through. The Vicomtesse has a sad past, but that doesn't get in the way of her positive mood. She imagines stories and fantasies where she is a princess, and that is what makes her happy. I think that the love for her son that she has, even though he does not speak to her, is what keeps her going each day, in hopes of one day reuniting with him.
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